The replacements

England today called up Mark Butcher, Usman Afzaal and Robert Croft to replace the injuries which have decimated their squad for the opening Test against Australia.

After lengthy deliberations, the selectors chose that trio to replace Graham Thorpe (calf), Michael Vaughan (knee) and Ashley Giles (Achilles), who have all been ruled out of this Thursday's Ashes encounter at Edgbaston.

They will travel up from their respective counties today and take part in training with Surrey left-hander Butcher and Nottinghamshire batsman Afzaal both expected to play.